Yes, it finally ended. There’s no epic cliffhanger this time, only an epic ending. I have to say, it has been an enjoyable ride from season 1 to season 2 (although I’m kind of late). But yea, I enjoyed it very much, thanks to the anime’s awesome plot, wide range of characters, epic ‘just as planned’ moments, and of course, Lelouch himself, who I now recognize as one of the best anime characters ever.
The Ending
Setsukyie: I’m sure that most of you (if not, all) have changed your opinions on Code Geass R2 after watching the epic ending. I know I did, and now I won’t refer Code Geass R2 as a trainwreck anymore, well, at least for the most part. The ending is so epic that it changed my opinions on the whole series, on Lelouch, and on most of the things that I have hated in Code Geass. Although, there are some things that I’m still not satisfied with.
Well, I don’t need to explain the flaws of Code Geass since you already know them. But you know, these flaws are the things that makes Code Geass the way it is. It allows us to give our own opinion on what should and should not have happened. This is why Code Geass is one of the most talked about anime recently, whether you’re defending Code Geass or the other way around. I mean, look at the number of comments on Random Curiosity’s Code Geass R2 – 25 post, and the entries from other blogs. I never seen so many comments in one episode review.
nutcase23: Code Geass R2 certainly has garnered more than the usual amount of attention (with another equally attention grabbing show being Macross Frontier). The multiple plot twists and turns leading to the end of the show has kept everyone guessing to the very end. From Shirley’s death to Cornelia’s reappearance and the revelation of Marianne’s existence, every blog post I’ve seen is filled with rants, exclamations, long analyses and all sorts of theories on what will happen next. Flawed or not, Sunrise has already achieved its objective given such a response.
Setsukyie: The thing that I like most about the ending of Code Geass is that it changes our opinion on a lot of things in the anime. This is the kind of ending that I like. The kind where fans get shocked to see unexpected things happen. You know, we are included in Lelouch’s plan as well. Lelouch made us angry and he wants us to hate him just to find out that what he was doing the exact opposite of what we have thought. Yea, the ending where we say “wow, so that’s what it’s all about..”. This is what I consider as an epic ending.
nutcase23: Of course, not forgetting the mecha showcased throughout the show. While no doubt they are not the main focus of the series, I’m sure there are many watchers out there who are in this for the deliciously overpowered Nightmare Frames as well, from Shinkirou to Shenhu to the ninth generation Nightmare Frames Guren S.E.I.T.E.N. Eight Elements-Type and Lancelot Albion. Even now the awesomeness of their respective debuts still burns fresh in my memory.
Setsukyie: In the end, everyone has their own opinions regarding the ending of Code Geass. As for me, I really like it. It was epic and it couldn’t have been better. It wasn’t a trainwreck at all, it was Lelouch’s plan to make us think that it ‘was’ a trainwreck. Just like what most people say, if anyone will go on with “geass is trainwreck” it will only prove that masses are attracted to the “hating geass is the new cool thing in town” stupidity. ^^
nutcase23: I share the same sentiments with Setsukyie. It has been a great 26 episodes, and to go further back, a wonderful 51 episode ride. I really enjoyed the escalating pace of chaos that is prevalent in the show (hence the popular “trainwreck” tag attached to the show). As the phrase goes, “The best laid plans never survive contact with the enemy” (or something like that). Watching Lelouch’s plans come to life like clockwork only to be thrown out of whack at the last minute and descend to utter chaos certainly kept me glued to the screen.
Lelouch
Setsukyie: Lelouch..he died in the best way possible. Even though Lelouch’s death was expected way in the beginning, but to think that he will fall down this way.. I thought that he will suffer the same fate as Yagami Light, and make him look ‘uncool’ in the end. But it is different for Lelouch, he died doing the right thing, and more importantly, he ‘planned’ his death, and that makes him an admirable person.
So..yea, he is a good person after all. But I think he was once evil somewhere in the story. His ideals are pure good, he wants justice, world peace, and he wants everyone to be happy. But his way of doing things is wrong. I can say the same for Schneizel and Charles, since all three of them want the same thing. Basically, he’s the same as Yagami Light, only that Lelouch is kinder and more merciful than Light. Light is…well, he’s just plain evil.
Another thing that is admirable about Lelouch is that he sacrifices himself rather than wanting power. Lelouch is the emperor of Brittania, he has all the power in the world, with his Geass, he is more powerful than his father, Charles. And with Schneizel and Charles gone, he has no obstacles that interferes with his plan for world domination. Yet, he chose the happiness of everyone over his own. Also, he can just geass everyone in the world to do anything he wants to, even make a better world. So, tell me, would you do the same? I know I won’t, not before I abuse my power first anyway..^^
Suzaku
nutcase23:And of course there’s Sukazu. Suzaku was both Lelouch’s greatest obstacle and greatest asset throughout the series. Many a plan was foiled by Suzaku and his Lancelot but taking over Britannia and penetrating the Damocles would have never succeeded without him. Many have cursed the path Suzaku took which is to effect change from within the system and not without through armed rebellion like Lelouch and by extension, The Order of the Black Knights.
Suzaku was largely seen as a betrayer for the larger part of the season when it was revealed that he, angry over Euphemia’s death and the perceived betrayal by Lelouch, sold Lelouch to Charles for a position in the Knight of Rounds. His defection to Schneizel’s camp and the detonation of FLEIA by his hands did nothing to endear him further to viewers.
In essence, Suzaku is similar to Lelouch in the sense that he is willing to shoulder all blame and responsibility and do whatever it takes to achieve his goal, that which is to clear Euphemia’s name and realize her dream. Lelouch only gained Suzaku’s co-operation when he said that he would erase the memory of Euphemia’s massacre with the Zero Requiem. His loyalty to Euphemia and her cause never wavered even as he switched sides from Charles to Schneizel and finally to Lelouch. I guess this would be one of his admirable qualities.
In the end, Suzaku is just another person in the myriad of many trying to change the world by his own means in his own way. As it is, Suzaku will now shoulder the burden of being Zero, as perhaps repentance for the deaths he has caused in the pursuit for his goal.
Lelouch is still alive?
Setsukyie: Here’s the important question, is Lelouch dead or alive? I would like to believe that Lelouch is dead, but some things show otherwise. Here are my (and everyone else’s) takes on why Lelouch is still alive:
1) C.C. talked to someone near the end of the episode, and that someone is believed to be Lelouch. The driver of the cart also has black hair. Certainly, C.C. won’t just get on a stranger’s cart. Saying that the driver of the cart didn’t notice her presence is not acceptable as well. When there’s a pretty girl on you cart, it’s strange for you not to notice. ^^
2) C.C.’s last words were, “The power of kings, known as Geass, brings one solitude.” Solitude means alone, meaning that the owners of the Geass are lonely people. Next, C.C. said, “Not quite accurate, is it? Right, Lelouch?”. She probably means that he isn’t alone, because they’re together. C.C. also looked at the direction of the driver (or the sky) when she said that. Also, the way the music stops and the her hair moved when C.C said “Right, Lelouch?” seems to have some kind of meaning.
3) The origami. The only ones that I know that can make them in the anime are Nunally, Sayoko, and Lelouch. So, maybe Lelouch taught C.C. how to make it during their free time or something. But, my other opinion is that C.C. took it up in her spare time and made it as a memory of Lelouch. Whatever it is, the origami must have some kind of meaning to be the last thing we saw in the anime.
4) The whole ‘Code’ thing. I don’t know how to explain it so I’ll copy it off from this guy:
The Code is the power of immortality, which C.C. has. The 98th Emperor of Britannia, Charles, has the Code. He transferred the Code to Lelouch while strangling him in episode 21. Lelouch wanted this, and he deliberately told Suzaku to not interfere.
However, the Code does not activate unless receiver dies first. This is shown when the nun kills C.C. after transferring the Code to her. Charle’s Code activated when he shot himself. Here is one of the big misconceptions that most people have: The transfer of the Code does not involve death of the transferrer. The nun was crazy and killed herself after she transferred her code. VV was injured from the battle and died. So basically, after episode 21, Lelouch had Charle’s Code (inactivated) and C.C’s contracted Geass.
When Lelouch got stabbed by Zero/Suzaku at the end, his Code was activated. What supports this is that Nunnally got Lelouch’s memories when she touched her, just like Lelouch did when he touched C.C. back in Narita. The only way this could have happened is his Code activating. This pretty much confirms that he has the Code.
Unlike C.C., and Charles, who lost their Geasses because the people who contracted them died, Lelouch didn’t obtain C.C.’s Code and thus kept his Geass, while having the Code (which he obtained from Charles at the same time). Lelouch therefore has achieved CODE GEASS.
Now that you think about it, it’s pretty logical. Lelouch have to die first before he can activate the code. If this is true and if it is planned, then Taniguchi must be a genius! Anyway, props to the person who came up with this theory.
5) Jeremiah/Orange-kun knew about Lelouch’s plan. But I don’t think he will just agree with it and accept the fact that Lelouch, the man that he devoted himself to, will die as a result. Well, at least not accepting with a smile on his face. No, he won’t agree with it, not unless Lelouch will still be alive.
6) The second season added ‘R2′ on the title. R2 is pronounced the same as you pronounce C.C. and V.V. C.C. and V.V. are both immortals. I don’t know whether immortality has anything to do with with their names though. But if it does, and if R2 (R.R./L.L.) is referred to Lelouch, than I can say that Lelouch is now immortal.
7) It’s a Sunrise anime..
All these things are pointing to the fact that Lelouch is still alive. I want him to be dead though, because it’s better that way, and I hate the fact there might be a possibility of a sequel if Lelouch is still alive. I like the way it is now, and they don’t need to continue with the series any further. Except maybe OVAs about C.C. and the origin of Geass.
Everyone have their own opinions regarding this matter. Well, endings like these allow you to interpret what happened by using your own opinions. In the end, it’s better for us not to take things like these too seriously as it spoils the fun. It’s better to just enjoy it.
Orange-kun is awesome
nutcase23: Personally, I don’t really care much if Lelouch is alive or dead. There is no 3rd season (I hope not) so any conclusions or theories to such are best left to others whilst I bask the joy of the happy and ambiguous closing.
More importantly, and I’m sure many would agree, is how a certain side character, who was initially sidelined and thought dead came to possibly become the most GAR character in Code Geass.
I’m of course talking about Jeremiah Gottwald a.k.a Orange-kun. From a running joke in season 1 to an invincible cybernetic assassin in season 2, Jeremiah has earned my respect in his undying loyalty to Lelouch and how he has come to fully embrace is nickname in all its orange glory. His bleeding declaration of loyalty to Lelouch at the train station is a scene to be remembered. Heck, this guy self-destructs his own Nightmare Frame in front of his enemy (Mordred), jumps out to confront the pilot (Anya) at god knows how high up in the atmosphere then screams a victory war cry from that position. Truly an act of GAR-ness the great Kamina himself would approve.
As it was, I nearly shit myself laughing when they showed him working at an orange farm with Anya probably being his adopted daughter or something. All that scene needs is super maid Sayoko to make it one happy family XD.
I guess now all there is left to do is to wait for Gundam 00 Season 2 to air. The trolling cycle thus begins anew.
